According to a report by Reuters, on Wednesday, Iran’s military commanders said that the Islamic Republic was on the verge of an all-out confrontation with its enemies and stands prepared to counter any threat. The Islamic Republic News Agency quoted Defence Minister Amir Hatami as saying, “Iran has the highest level of defense-military preparedness to confront any type of threat and excessive demands.” Reuters reports that the United States has sent further military forces to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier, B-52 bombers and Patriot missiles, in a show of force against what US officials claim are Iranian threats to its troops and its interests in the region.